The Cleveland Cavaliers just wrapped up a stretch of three games in four nights, and head coach Kenny Atkinson believes the grind illustrates why the NBA should cut back on its 82-game calendar.
Speaking before Monday’s win in Detroit, Atkinson said a reduced slate—around 70 to 72 contests—would improve player health and overall game quality.
“I think part of an NBA coach’s job is to manage this hellacious schedule,” Atkinson told reporters. “If we go to 70 games, 72 games, the league will be more spectacular, more phenomenal.”
Injuries are piling up league-wide, with recent Achilles tears sidelining Eastern Conference standouts Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum for the season. The Cavaliers are feeling similar strain: Darius Garland (toe surgery) and Max Strus (foot surgery) remain out, while Lonzo Ball sat Monday for rest as Cleveland closely monitors minutes.
Atkinson argued that fewer games would allow stars to perform at peak level every night. “Donovan Mitchell—you’re getting his best three games in four nights. Are you getting the best version of him?” he asked. “The fans look at it like, 34 minutes, 34 minutes, 34 minutes, but what are we getting that last night?”
The coach’s comments echo a growing sentiment around the league. Teams often start the season healthy, only to see rotations patched together by mid-January while load management becomes a necessity. Fans frequently pay premium prices for marquee matchups that lose luster when headliners sit.
For now, the NBA schedule remains unchanged, leaving coaches such as Atkinson to navigate the demands of back-to-backs and condensed travel until any formal reduction is considered.
Source: Hoops Wire
